Watch First
The 2026 Rules, Explained.
⚠ Unconsciousness Rule
Rendered Unconscious -- Tournament Ends There.
Due to the serious risks associated with traumatic brain injury from strangulation, any competitor who is rendered unconscious during a match -- by rear naked choke or any other means -- is immediately withdrawn from the tournament for the remainder of that day. They may not continue competing in any remaining divisions or brackets, regardless of circumstances. There are no exceptions.
Read the Research: Neurological Implications of Strangulation →
Select Your Division
Rules by Division.
01
The Novice Division
Ages 4--12 · Non-competitive · Participation medals · Entry-level format
→
02
Kids & Teens Rules
Ages 4--15 · Skill levels · Match format · Overtime · Illegal techniques
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03
Adult, Executive & Master Rules
Ages 16+ · Belt divisions · Match lengths · Leg lock rules · Overtime
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04
Uniform & Cleanliness Rules
Gi & NoGi requirements · Gear restrictions · Cleanliness standards
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05
Sportsmanship & Disqualification
Conduct standards · Sandbagging · DQ rules · Referee decisions
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06
Weight Classes
Kids · Teens · Adult · Executive · Masters · Gi & NoGi
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07
Team Points & Team Awards
How teams earn points · Team champion awards · Sub-Only Worlds qualification
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Quick Reference
Allowable Techniques by Division.
Allowable Techniques
| Technique | Kids 4–12 | Teens 13–15 | White | Blue | Purple | Brown / Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chokes & Upper-Body Submissions | ||||||
| Chokes with Gi | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Straight Arm Lock | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Kimura | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Americana | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Rear Naked Choke | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Triangle | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Triangle (Pulling Head) | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Arm Triangle / Head & Arm Choke | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Guillotine (Ground) | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Guillotine (Standing) | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Omoplata | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Ezekiel Choke | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Punch Choke | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Gogoplata | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Forearm-on-Throat Choke | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | NO BeginnerYES Inter/Adv | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Smother Choke (Muffler) | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Wrist Lock | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Bicep / Calf Slicer | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Twister | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Rib Compression (Scorpion) | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Leg Locks | ||||||
| Straight Foot Lock (Achilles) | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Electric Chair / Banana Split | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Straight Kneebar | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Figure-4 Toe Hold | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Calf Slicer | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Knee Reap | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Cloverleaf | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Aoki Lock | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES |
| Heel Hook | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | YES |
| Illegal in Every Division | ||||||
| Slam | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Jumping Guard / Flying Sub | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Leg-Scissor Takedown | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Neck Crank / Cervical Lock | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Chin Whip | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Knuckles to Front of Throat | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |